Things to do around Hawkesbury, NSW

Things to do around Hawkesbury, NSW: Fruit Picking, Big Outdoors & Unique Experiences

Just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, you’ll find an abundant of things to do around Hawkesbury, NSW. Before you even get to the Hawkesbury River, don’t miss the superb attractions along the way. Known for its fruit orchards, organic farms, boutique cider production and wineries, and quaint rural villages, meeting hard working locals is wonderful! A sense of community prevails.

A Haven for Food and Wine Lovers

The Hawkesbury is where you can pick your own fruit. For example, sweet Bilpin apples or peaches, blackberries and more. As well discover delicious honey straight from bee boxes dotted across the fields. Or plop yourself on a bar stool at Hillbilly Cider to taste beautifully craft cider before lugging a case to your car.

There’s no shortage of wineries to visit as well, each offering a unique selection of wines, often with cool, leafy courtyards and warm, inviting cellar doors. Whether you’re a red, white, or sparkling aficionado, the region’s vineyards offer an excellent tasting experience.

A Paradise for Nature Lovers: Like Bees to the Honeypot

The Hawkesbury offers a variety of activities including hiking in Wollemi and Yengo National Parks, as well as scenic lookouts along Putty Road and Wisemans Ferry. Explore the Hawkesbury Regional Botanic Gardens showcase native plants. Discover that the Cattai National Park is perfect for having a picnic, camping, and wildlife spotting (koalas and ‘roos).

For birdwatching, Scheyville National Park and Hawkesbury Nature Reserve are great options. The region also offers fantastic opportunities for nature photography, from the misty valleys to the vibrant colours of native plants. Go horseback riding through Kurrajong Hills. Great fun! With its mix of national parks, reserves, and riverside retreats, the Hawkesbury offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

Rich Heritage and Charming Villages
Beyond its natural beauty, the Hawkesbury is also home to rich history and heritage. Visit villages like Windsor with its colonial-era buildings and historic sites, or the quaint town of Richmond with streets of pink and purple crepe myrtle. For a relaxing afternoon, try the Richmond Heritage Walk or a Gallery, or the river.

Did you know that Richmond has seen an impressive number of high profile film productions and the location for Mel Gibson’s critically acclaimed, ‘Hacksaw Ridge (2016) and Underbelly: A tale of Two Cities (2009). ‘Children of the Corn’ (2020) and Baz Luhrman’s, ‘The Great Gatsby’ (2013) were also filmed in Richmond as well as shooting on-location at the Sydney Polo Club

The Hawkesbury has regular markets, artisan shops, and cafes that showcase its produce and lovely community spirit. It really does have something for all ages.

Wellness & Pampering Around The Hawkesbury: You Deserve It.

• The Cottage, Kurrajong Village: Established in August 2019, the Cottage is home to a range of Hair, Beauty and Wellness businesses. Jayne and Claudia have created a beautiful, supportive home for younger, upcoming businesses, to join together and grow together.
• Beauty at the Heritage
• Sundari Day Spa Treatments 
• Hill Top Day Spa
• LV Style and Wellness: Beautiful hair and makeup done by experts plus they supply high quality beauty products.33 Windsor St, Richmond NSW
• The Wax Station: For those who require fast, efficient waxing, and boutique skin products go to 26 E Market St, Richmond. M: 0434 649 241
• Indulgence has beauty services and indulgent treatments. Shop 3C, 519 Bells Line of Road, Kurmond
• Meraki Cosmetic Beauty Clinic: brings you 13+ years of experience in facial aesthetics, delivered in a beautiful private setting and tailored uniquely to you. 127 George St, Windsor NSW

Explore & Discover Around The Hawkesbury

Outdoor Adventures & Local Attractions

• Enjoy the cider tastings and see how the magic makes the production at this very popular cidery, Hillbilly Cider
• Visit The Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens overlooking the Blue Mountains. Try the delicate homemade Pearl Iced Tea or savour a long lunch at Tomah Cafe soaking in the panoramic beauty of this World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
• Pick apples at Bilpin Apples. Ph 02 4567 1294
• Discover Richmond pools for cooling off during summer or keeping the kids amused.  With large open spaces, a half size basketball court, shaded toddlers pool and playground. 
• Explore the pretty local village of Kurrajong with many café’s and shops. There’s a small supermarket, chemist, bottle store,  post office & a divine bakery and an excellent deli (delicious cheeses & ham).
• Relax at Wheeny Creek with a small beach area is always popular with something for everyone, just sit and read a book or let the kids build a sand castle  
• Admire the flowers at Helleborus Downunder Bilpin at 13 Mountain Lagoon Rd, Bilpin NSW & Mount Wilson Garden. Discover BeBeah Gardens at Mount Wilson – a privately restored and reshaped garden – a labour of love by Barry Byrne, owner of 12 glorious acres, into a formal garden estate. There’s a small fee to enter and assist with upkeep of this magnificent estate.
• Visit the Alpaca Farm
• Back a winner at the Hawkesbury Horse Racing.
• Enjoy Devonshire tea on the Hawkesbury and Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler 
• Go Adrenaline hot air ballooning! A national organisation specialising for beginners to the hooked adrenaline junkies to soar high! Locations are only where the views are jaw dropping, sunrises are spectacular, and the world is a better place from above! 
• Take a scenic drive to Katoomba and Leura
• Ride a stallion at Chapman Valley Horse Riding or the Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre
• Take a walk through the Wildwood Garden and the Wildwood Garden Camellia Show (August)
• Have a picnic at Bellbird Reserve and Agnes Banks Nature Reserve
• Golfing at Riverside Oaks
• Play a round of golf @ The Sebel: Golf Club. Call 02 9676 888
• Pick sunflowers at Glenbernie Family Farm: It’s a family-friendly flower farm, where you can visit to sunflowers . 610 Bells Line of Rd, Kurmond
• Picking Sunflowers at Glenburnie Family Farm, Kurmond. Hawkesbury, NSW

Indoor Activities and a Lot of Fun

• The good team at Hillbilly Cider are renowned for producing amazing alcoholic and non alcoholic ciders,  the simple way – just apples. Their small-batch, artisan ciders using locally grown, handpicked apples are a must try, from crisp, dry varieties – Hillbilly Pear to sweeter, fruit-forward options like Sweet Julie With a focus on quality and authenticity and a touch of magic, Hillbilly Cider is a true reflection of the area’s farming tradition. And determination for great produce. Go for a taste test and pick yourself up a four pack or box of 24. Trust us, they’re delicious! We opted for a case of Hillbilly Pear, Hillbilly Ginger and Hillbilly Summer. 1/1428 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin, NSW.

• Ten Pin Bowling at South Windsor, Richmond
• Join the Belmont House History Tour (North Richmond)
• Visit Howe House, Windsor
• Take in the Art at the Hawkesbury Art Gallery 
• Step back into history at the KurrajongRadio Museum – visits and tours are by arrangement only P 4573 0601, M 0401 507 995
• Have a great night at Richmond Theatre
• Check out a flick at Richmond Regent Twin Cinema with a great range of movies during the day and evening.
• Have a schooner at Karu Distilleries
• Taste local wines at Bull Ridge Estate Winery – 430 Bull Ridge Rd, East Kurrajong NSW
• Jubilee Vineyard Estate & Tizzana Winery
• Admire local artists work at the Hawkesbury Artist and Artisan Trail, the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery & Purple Noon Art Gallery

Good Eats Around Hawkesbury, NSW

• The Tomah Cafe and Viewing Platform at Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens overlooking the Blue Mountains. Try the delicate homemade Pearl Iced Tea or savour a long lunch while soaking in the panoramic beauty of this World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
• Tuck into a fabulous apple pie (with just the right amount of cinnamon) at the very popular Bilpin Fruit Bowl.

  

   

• Knock down a good sausage roll or meat pie at The Grumpy Baker.
• Food made with love will be found at the Kurmond Social
• Highly recommended dining and a drink at the Archibald Hotel, Kurrajong NSW
• Try Kravings Coffee Shop and Restaurant: award winning restaurant and proud of its heritage of providing great food and service. Kravings has partnered with the North Richmond Hotel to operate the Pitt Lane Bistro in conjunction with its refurbishment.
• The Lime and Coconut Cafe, Windsor – open 7 days
• Schembraes
• Noy Thai Takeaway – Good Thai food, Kurmond
• Barrels & Ashes –  Local beef cattle farmer owned country bar and grill, whiskey & cocktails,  music and fun. 122 Windsor St, Richmond.
• Delicatessen La Na – Highly rated deli with grazing platters too. – 3/68 Old Bells Line of Rd, Kurrajong NSW 
• The Tandoori Village
• The Australian Hotel Brewery, Rouse Hill (en route) 
• Pine Crest Orchard
• Kurrajong’s Numero Uno Pizzeria & Pasta Bar
• The Baan Kurrajong (Thai)
• Thai Lai Krarm in North Richmond – 30 Bells Line of Rd, North Richmond
• Aroma Pizza & Pasta in North Richmond
• Mountain Grill takeaway in Kurmond
• P & E Hampers: All products are sourced by Ebony (owner) and made in the beautiful Hawkesbury Region. 11 delicious delights. Local ciders, local honey and more. Pitt Town NSW, Australia. M: 0404 217 207
• Hillbilly Cider also does fabulous woodfired pizzas.
• Kurrajong CWA Markets a community that proudly supports locals with events and activities @fortheloveofkurrajong
• Christmas Twilight Markets are an annual event at East Kurrajong School of Arts

Foodies Delights Around Hawkesbury: Fruit Farms, Markets & Gourmet Providores

• Bipin Fruit Bowl. Organic apples hand picked from the family owned farm to make delicious products including apple pies and more. @bilpinfruitbowl. They work hard here, working 7 days a week with ownership over 40 years! Picking your own fruit? Just ask.
• Harvest Trails and Markets 
• It’s a lovely day out as you cross the Sackville Ferry and go to the first farm on the right, Anderson Farm.  It’s a wonderful orchard set on the banks of the Hawkesbury River specialising in Emperor, Imperial & Hickson Mandarins, Washington Navel, and Seville  Oranges for ”Pick Your Own”. Make it more by having a  BBQ and use of their  picnic tables or you can stroll along the river with its wonderful outlook. Always phone ahead please before arriving. M: 0414 503 955
  Bilpin Springs  welcome you to pick your own fruits from their small orchard, for example, nashi pears, apples, oranges, plums, peaches. Enniskillen Orchard
• Fords Farm Fruit Picking (must book online)
• Scibberra Fresh Fruit & Vege 
• Shield’s, Pine Crest and Schofields Orchards 
• Watkin’s Family Farm 
• The Bilpin Fruit Bowl
• Bilpin Markets Sat mornings
• Richmond Good Food Market (Sat) is an eclectic collection of the local community coming together to showcase their best, and loving it. From 8am to 1pm
• Fords Farm Fruit Picking (must book online) & there’s a small fee per vehicle. It’s a mandarin & cumquat farm on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, along Singleton Road only 15 minutes from Wiseman’s Ferry. It’s bounded by the Hawkesbury River and Marra Marra National Park. Such a peaceful place to be, away from the hustle and bustle of  city life.
• Laughtondale fruit picking at the Watkins Family Farm. It’s seasonal picking so check their website or Instagram.
• Rita’s Farm Fresh Produce in Kemps Creek –  wide range of chemical free, fresh, traditional, and international vegetables, herbs and fruits
• Kurrajong Butchery
• Pepe’s Ducks Award winning duck meat.

Retail Escapes

• Richmond Marketplace
• Regional Art Gallery 
• Juan & Me, Richmond
• Annual Ebenezer Art & Craft Fair Show (held usually August)
• Pick up another collectible or pick up some vintage favourites from the Old2Bold homewares, Kurrajong
• Purple Noon Art Gallery

If you think the Hawkesbury sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.